NetSPI and Synack merge to build $200M+ offensive cybersecurity platform
What's the deal? NetSPI and Synack have signed a definitive agreement to merge, forming what the companies call the industry's leading offensive cybersecurity platform. NetSPI specialises in modern penetration testing, while Synack focuses on continuous security validation. The combined company generates well over $200 million in revenue.
What's the endgame? The merged business will integrate agentic AI across its platform to deliver continuous testing and validation at enterprise scale. It combines nearly 40 years of operating history and more than 13 million hours of offensive testing experience, serving top cloud providers, US banks, the Fortune 100, and federal agencies.
Why now? Both companies argue AI is most effective paired with human expertise, not fully autonomous tools. "AI is transforming security testing, but it's still experts who find the vulnerabilities that lead to real breaches," said Jay Kaplan, chief executive officer of Synack.
What changes for customers? NetSPI chief executive officer Aaron Shilts said the deal delivers "more coverage, deeper expertise, and faster answers." He added that on day one, nothing about how customers work with the company changes, though what they can access grows.
Who's backing it? KKR will support the combined company's growth plan, funding technology and product development, talent expansion, and international growth. Piper SandlerDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → advised Synack, with Latham & WatkinsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → as legal counsel; Gibson, Dunn & CrutcherDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → advised KKR and NetSPI.
The transaction is expected to close in October 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The signal: The deal reflects consolidation in a growing offensive security market driven by tighter regulation, wider attack surfaces, and AI-amplified threats. As vendors debate whether autonomous tools can replace human testers, NetSPI and Synack are betting scale plus expert judgment wins enterprise and government contracts.
Read more: Business Insider
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